THE EFFECT OF ANDROGENS ON FRUCTOSE PRODUCTION BY THE SEX ACCESSORIES OF MALE GUINEA PIGS AND RATS12

Abstract

Influence of androgen on growth and fructose content of the male sex accessories was studied in the rat and guinea pig. It was observed that in the untreated immature guinea pig, the time of initiation of secretion coincided with the first appearance of fructose in the seminal vesicle. Concentration of fructose in glands of the immature guinea pig, once established, was essentially at the adult level. Administration of testosterone propionate to immature male animals stimulated growth and inhibited secretory activity (including fructose production) in guinea pig seminal vesicles but stimulated both functions in the sex accessories of rats. Testosterone propionate, androsterone, dehydroisoandrosterone, and 17-methyl-testosterone, given as subcutaneous pellets, were equally effective in supporting the weight and fructose production of the seminal vesicles of castrated adult guinea pigs. Two unidentified reducing substances, one yeast-fermentable and the other yeast-non-fermentable, were described as constituents of guinea pig seminal vesicle secretion, along with fructose and citric acid.